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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 29,110
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Astronomy | Physics
Area of study
Natural Science
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 29,110
About Program

Program Overview


The Physics and Astrophysics MPhys degree at the University of Sheffield is a four-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in research in astrophysics or other scientific fields. The program boasts a higher astrophysics content than most other physics degrees in the UK, dedicating 50% of the curriculum to exploring the universe's matter and laws. Students will delve deeper into essential physics in their second year and continue specializing in astrophysics with modules on stars and galaxies' structure and evolution. The program culminates in a year-long research project, allowing students to work with leading researchers to investigate real scientific questions.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

The Physics and Astrophysics MPhys degree at the University of Sheffield is a four-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in research, whether in astrophysics or other scientific fields. The program boasts a higher astrophysics content than most other physics degrees in the UK, dedicating 50% of the curriculum to exploring the universe's matter and laws. The program aims to develop students into well-rounded scientists, emphasizing practical work from the first year, including the use of two telescopes on the faculty building's roof. Students will delve deeper into essential physics in their second year and continue specializing in astrophysics with modules on stars and galaxies' structure and evolution. The program culminates in a year-long research project, allowing students to work with leading researchers to investigate real scientific questions. This project not only enhances scientific expertise but also develops time management, project planning, and analysis skills, preparing students for research careers or other industries.


Outline:

The Physics and Astrophysics MPhys program is structured across four years, with a focus on core modules and optional modules.


First Year:

  • Core Modules:
  • Introductory Mathematics for Physicists and Astronomers: Covers essential level 1 mathematics for physics and astronomy students, including functions of one variable, differentiation, series expansions, integration, ordinary differential equations, complex numbers, vector manipulation, and matrix properties and applications.
  • Introduction to Astrophysics: Introduces fundamental physical concepts and techniques in astronomy, focusing on deriving results from observations.
  • Covers fluxes, temperatures, magnitudes, astronomical spectroscopy, and gravitational astrophysics.
  • The Solar System: Explores the elements of the Solar System, including the Sun, planets, moons, and minor bodies, focusing on their structure, composition, and implications for the Solar System's formation and history.
  • Fundamentals of Physics: Introduces fundamental university physics concepts, developing data analysis, laboratory, scientific report writing, and communication skills.
  • Covers electromagnetism, classical mechanics, thermal physics, waves and oscillations, and quantum mechanics.
  • Observing the Night Sky: Equips students with observational and computational data analysis skills, covering positional astronomy, telescope optics, practical observing skills, basic Python programming, and astrophysical data analysis.

Second Year:

  • Core Modules:
  • Includes nuclear physics topics like nuclear mass and binding energy, radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and nuclear structure.
  • Observational Astronomy: Builds upon level 1 astronomy, equipping students with skills to plan, obtain, and analyze optical imaging data of astronomical objects.
  • Covers astronomical telescopes, instrumentation, electronic detectors, and data analysis using Python.
  • Galaxies: Provides a comprehensive introduction to galaxies, covering astronomical distance determination, galaxy classification, Milky Way properties, spiral and elliptical galaxy properties, active galaxies, and galaxy evolution.
  • Classical and Quantum Physics: Covers core level 2 physics content for non-theoretical degrees, integrating physics content with supporting mathematics and practical work.
  • Topics include classical physics, oscillations, thermal physics, quantum mechanics, properties of matter, and electromagnetism.

Third Year:

  • Core Modules:
  • Particle Physics: Introduces modern particle physics, covering relativistic kinematics, particle interactions and decays, scattering form factors, particle classification, fundamental interactions, quantum electrodynamics, weak interactions, strong interactions, and the role of symmetry.
  • Atomic and Laser Physics: Covers atomic and laser physics, including the hydrogen atom's Schrodinger equation solution, atomic selection rules, spectral fine structure, external field effects, multi-electron atom spectra, laser operation, stimulated emission, population inversion, and common lasers and their applications.
  • Introduction to Cosmology: Explores the science of the universe, covering its history, structure, and evolution.
  • Discusses the development of cosmological understanding, observed universe properties, and the Hot Big Bang cosmological model.
  • Statistical Physics: Introduces statistical mechanics techniques to describe thermal properties of matter, covering a wide range of phenomena from physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
  • Problem Solving and Professional Skills in Physics and Astronomy: Develops problem-solving techniques in physics and astronomy using mathematical and statistical methods.
  • Covers statistics, data analysis, and applying physics knowledge to unfamiliar problems.
  • Optional Modules:
  • History of Astronomy: Provides an introduction to the historical development of modern astronomy, covering chronological overview, scientific status of astronomy, philosophy of science, discovery in astronomy, theory-observation interplay, technological advances, and the relationship between astronomy and physics.
  • Dark Matter and the Universe: Covers dark matter in the universe from astrophysics and particle physics perspectives.
  • Nuclear Physics: Studies nuclear properties, the nuclear force, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and problem-solving skills in these areas.
  • Astrobiology: Explores the search for alien life, discussing its potential characteristics, locations, and the frequency of life, advanced life, and technological civilizations in the universe.
  • La Palma Field Trip: Provides an opportunity for students to undertake independent research, involving practical observation, field work, theoretical or interpretative projects, and computer program development.
  • Origin of the Chemical Elements: Examines the origin, distribution, and evolution of chemical elements, covering experimental and observational evidence for elemental abundances, primordial nucleosynthesis, stellar nucleosynthesis, neutron capture, supernovae, kilonovae, and cosmic rays.
  • Optional Project Modules:
  • Industrial Group Project in Physics: Provides students with an industrial project, integrating team working, planning, time management, presentation, report writing, and science problem-solving.
  • Quantum Information Laboratory: Provides a foundation in quantum optics experiments and associated theory, covering single photon generation and detection, photon statistics measurements, photon interference, and the link with quantum information research.
  • Physics Education and Outreach: Introduces topics like learning and teaching theory, video editing, physics in the National Curriculum, and hands-on science teaching and communication exercises.
  • Optional Modules (10 Credits):
  • Nuclear Physics: Studies nuclear properties, the nuclear force, nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and problem-solving skills in these areas.
  • Physical Computing: Studies digital circuits, VHDL language, C programming, and building digital architectures.
  • Mathematical Physics: Covers linear algebra, complex analysis, and their applications in physics.
  • Advanced Programming in Python: Builds upon basic Python programming, introducing advanced concepts like defensive programming, classes, program design, and optimization.
  • Physics in an Enterprise Culture: Covers innovation, intellectual property, costing, business planning, and developing a business proposal.

Fourth Year:

  • Core Modules:
  • Star Formation and Evolution: Covers advanced astrophysics topics, including observations and theory of star and planet formation, evolution of low, intermediate, and high-mass stars, close binary evolution, end states (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes), astrophysical transients, and their feedback on galaxies.
  • Galaxy Formation and Evolution: Covers galaxy formation and evolution from an observational perspective, including historical introduction, galaxy evolution from local and high-redshift universe studies, and the role of active galactic nuclei in galaxy evolution.
  • Research Project: Students undertake a supervised research project, applying their scientific knowledge to experimental and/or theoretical projects spanning the department's research expertise.
  • Optional Modules:
  • History of Astronomy: Provides an introduction to the historical development of modern astronomy, covering chronological overview, scientific status of astronomy, philosophy of science, discovery in astronomy, theory-observation interplay, technological advances, and the relationship between astronomy and physics.
  • The Development of Particle Physics: Describes the development of crucial concepts in particle physics, emphasizing the role of experiments.
  • Covers discoveries of the neutron, positron, neutrino, parity and CP violations, experimental evidence for quarks and gluons, and research methodology.
  • Dark Matter and the Universe: Covers dark matter in the universe from astrophysics and particle physics perspectives.
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Covers quantum mechanics at an intermediate to advanced level, including the mathematical vector space formalism, approximate methods, angular momentum, entanglement, density matrices, and open quantum systems.
  • Optical Properties of Solids: Covers the optical physics of solid-state materials, including optical properties of insulators, semiconductors, and metals, infrared properties, and nonlinear crystals.
  • An Introduction to General Relativity: Covers Einstein's theory of gravity, including the principle of equivalence, tensors, Einstein's equations, Schwarzschild black holes, Friedmann Robertson Walker cosmology, and gravitational waves.
  • Physics in an Enterprise Culture: Covers innovation, intellectual property, costing, business planning, and developing a business proposal.
  • Astrobiology: Explores the search for alien life, discussing its potential characteristics, locations, and the frequency of life, advanced life, and technological civilizations in the universe.
  • Origin of the Chemical Elements: Examines the origin, distribution, and evolution of chemical elements, covering experimental and observational evidence for elemental abundances, primordial nucleosynthesis, stellar nucleosynthesis, neutron capture, supernovae, kilonovae, and cosmic rays.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

  • Problem sets
  • Lab work
  • Exams
  • Essays
  • Lab reports
  • Presentations

Teaching:

Students learn through a combination of:

  • Lectures
  • Small group tutorials
  • Programming classes
  • Practical sessions in the lab
  • Research projects
  • The university provides outstanding facilities, study spaces, and support, including 24/7 online access to the library service.

Careers:

The Physics and Astrophysics MPhys program equips students with numerical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills, making them suitable for various graduate jobs, including:

  • Computer programming
  • Software engineering
  • Data science
  • Research and development
  • Students interested in physics research often pursue a PhD, leading to careers at universities or research facilities like CERN.
  • Students have the option to complete a research project, industrial group project, Quantum Information Lab project, or Physics Education and Outreach project, providing hands-on experience for various career aspirations.
  • The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is ranked 1st in the UK for the quality of its physics research according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
  • The Hicks Building, where physics and astronomy students are based, features undergraduate teaching laboratories, classrooms, lecture theaters, computer rooms, and social spaces.
  • The university is ranked highly in various national and international rankings, including being ranked number one in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2023.

Please use 2024-25 information as a guide. £9,250Home students 2024 annual tuition fee £29,110Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee

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About University
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University of Sheffield


Overview:

The University of Sheffield is a renowned public research university located in Sheffield, England. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its high-quality teaching, world-class research, and vibrant student life.


Services Offered:

The University of Sheffield offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Access to libraries, study spaces, and academic advisors.

    Career Services:

    Guidance on career planning, job searching, and internships.

    Student Support:

    Mental health services, disability support, and financial aid.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus residences and off-campus housing options.

    Student Life:

    A diverse range of clubs, societies, sports teams, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Sheffield can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a strong Students' Union, which is ranked as the best in the UK. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams, catering to diverse interests. The city of Sheffield itself offers a lively cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    The university consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.

    World-Class Research:

    The University of Sheffield is a leading research institution, with a strong reputation for innovation and impact.

    Vibrant Student Life:

    The university offers a rich and diverse student experience, with a strong Students' Union and a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams.

    Supportive Environment:

    The university provides a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, with a range of services and resources available to help them succeed.

Academic Programs:

The University of Sheffield offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Humanities:

    English Literature, History, Philosophy, Music, and more.

    Science and Engineering:

    Medicine, Dentistry, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and more.

    Social Sciences:

    Economics, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

    Business and Management:

    Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and more.

Other:

Total programs
431
Average ranking globally
#129
Average ranking in the country
#14
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Standard Offer:
  • A Levels: AAA including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
  • A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: AAB including AA in Maths and Physics + A in a relevant EPQ
  • International Baccalaureate: 36 with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: Not accepted
  • BTEC Diploma: Not accepted
  • Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers: AAABB + AA in Maths and Physics
  • Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: A + AA in Maths and Physics
  • Access Sheffield Offer:
  • A Levels: AAB including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
  • A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification: AAB including AA in Maths and Physics + A in a relevant EPQ
  • International Baccalaureate: 34 with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: Not accepted
  • BTEC Diploma: Not accepted
  • Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers: AABBB + AB in Maths and Physics
  • Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + AA in Maths and Physics

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • GCSE English Language at grade 4/C;
  • IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component;
  • or an alternative acceptable English language qualification.
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